The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) is participating in the “Tourism EXPO Japan 2024” taking place at the Tokyo Big Sight from September 26 to 29, 2024. The EXPO is one of the largest travel and tourism industry exhibitions in the world with participation expected from over 1,000 companies and organizations from about 80 countries and regions. Over 180,000 visitors are anticipated during the four-day event.
The first two days, September 26 and 27, were set for trade days for industry professionals. GVB, along with several GVB member companies including Baldyga Group, Royal Orchid Guam, PHR-The Tsubaki Tower, Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, Hotel Nikko Guam, Pacific Islands Club, RIHGA Royal Laguna Guam, Arluis Wedding, Guam Premier Outlets, Crowne Plaza Resort Guam, Guam Plaza Resort, Dusit Thani Guam Resort, Dusit Beach, Dusit Place, Lotte Hotel Guam, Skydive Guam, Japan Guam Travel Association (JGTA), and United Airlines are participating as exhibitors.
Additionally, on September 27, GVB and H.I.S. Co., Ltd. held a signing ceremony at the H.I.S. booth. The ceremony was attended by GVB President & CEO Carl T.C. Gutierrez, Board Member and Sinajana Mayor Robert Hofmann, and Global Marketing Director Nadine Leon Guerrero to officially launch a joint promotion, the “Wellness Island Project” which will widely promote Guam as a wellness/fitness island destination aiming to bring 50,000 and more visitors to Guam in 2025. Gutierrez stated, “We are proud of our partnership with H.I.S. highlighting our culture, natural resources, and upcoming events that promote fitness and wellness. Mr. Kozo Arita, H.I.S. Executive Officer, has embraced Guam and I encourage the company to expand and include our brothers and sisters in all the Marianas.”
On hand to promote this concept and share the events through live broadcasts was GVB Member Choice Broadcasting’s Ray Gibson who conducted on-site interviews with Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) Managing Director Chris Concepcion, GVB Board Member & Sinajana Mayor Robert Hofmann, GVB Member and Guam Premier Outlets General Manager Monte Mesa, and GVB President & CEO Carl T.C. Gutierrez.
Furthermore, on the evening of the 27th, a reception was held at the GVB booth to provide an opportunity for travel industry professionals to network.
September 28 and 29 are open to the general public as consumer days, where Guam will showcase its attractions to consumers. The booth will feature various activities that allow visitors to experience Guam’s culture, cuisine, and beauty by appealing to the five senses. There will also be a variety of fun events for visitors, such as giveaways of newly designed original eco-bags and rock-paper-scissors competitions to name a few.
As part of the introduction to Guam’s culture, performances by “Guma Taotao Kinahulo Atdao na Tano” led by Asami Nohira along with the CHamoru dance show by local cultural entertainers Vince San Nicolas and Jayvier Quenga. On the main stage, The Guam CHamoru Dance Academy (GCDA) will also be performing.
Behind the booth, the Guam Mangge’ food truck selling Tinaktak Burgers and CHamoru BBQ bowls was in high demand among JATA goers. There is also an Augmented Reality “AR” experience corner using the app “STYLY.” Visitors can participate in a campaign to find GVB’s official character, follow GVB’s official social media account, and win special prizes.
Through Tourism EXPO Japan 2024, the Guam Visitors Bureau aims to share the charm of Guam in attracting more visitors to increase arrival numbers for Japan market. By the end of FY2024, Japan market will have achieved its goal of over 200,000 visitors in hopes to achieve more than 50% or more for the coming fiscal year.
Guam Visitors Bureau and United Airlines Host “Guam Educational Travel Forum 2024”
The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB), in collaboration with United Airlines and with support from the U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe Commercial Section, held the “Guam Educational Travel Forum 2024” in Nagoya on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, and in Osaka on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
During the forum, presentations were given by professors from Japanese universities who had participated in the “United Summit Pilot Program” and visited Guam in 2023. They shared their insights from visiting various facilities and programs, including the University of Guam (UOG). In addition, the University of Guam team as guest presenters participated in the forum. Mr. Carlos Taitano, UOG Director of Global Learning and Engagement, Mr. Kyle Mandapat, Assistant Director for Communications, Center for Island Sustainability, and Dr. Austin Shelton, Director, Center for Island Sustainability, introduced hospitality and SDG-related training programs.
At this event, information was shared by United Airlines and other related organizations under the theme “The Current State of Educational Travel in Guam.” The island offered a wealth of educational resources, making it a treasure trove for learning. Through school and cultural exchanges, as well as language learning, students can actively learn topics such as history, culture, relations with Japan, nature, and SDGs. As tourism is a major industry in Guam, specialized training in tourism and hospitality is also available, making it an ideal destination for educational travel.
The forum concluded with a total of 26 participants from Nagoya (5 Universities and 21 Travel Agents) and a total of 36 members (11 Universities and 24 Travel Agents) from Osaka. Special thanks to the GVB members, guest presenters, and co-sponsors that participated in the forum: The University of Guam, United Airlines, U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe Commercial Section, Leo Palace Resort Guam, Barefoot Guam, Crowne Plaza Resort Guam, Pacific Island Holidays, LLC, Hyatt Regency Guam and Ken Hotels & Resort Holdings Ltd.
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